Meet Some of the Families Savannah's Hope Have Assisted

Learn more about the families we helped and their stories. Every child with a rare disease has a story to share and a journey to inspire all of us. We love every family we help and we celebrate every child. Join us as we share stories of hope!

Ryder

A friend of Willie Bagby's shared Ryder's story with her. This prompted Willie to connect with the family on Facebook to see if Savannah's Hope could help Ryder. In March, 2015 we helped Ryder's family travel to Cincinnati Children's Bone Marrow clinics and to Cleveland Clinics to see a mitochondrial disease specialist. Ryder's family and doctors are still looking for answers about his condition.

Savannah's Hope donors and volunteers help families just like Ryder's, for travel expenses to get treatment from specialist that are out of town or even out of state.

Carter

We came to know Carter and his family through Jessica, his aunt, who lives in the Des Moines area where our office is located. Carter lives in Michigan. He is 6 years old and was diagnosed with a mitochondrial disease when he was 2 1/2 years old, after muscle biopsies, spinal taps, numerous labs and many other tests. Carter's family knew something wasn't right before his first birthday. He couldn't hold his head up, couldn't sit without support, and had trouble holding food down. When they transferred his care out-of-state they finally received answers about his condition.

Savannah's Hope helped Carter's family with meals and the hotel stay they needed to see a mitochondrial geneticist, epilepsy doctor and gastrointestinal doctor. His parents believe that this trip wouldn't have been possible without our help.

Lauren & Lindsey

The Bagby's met Lauren & Lindsey's family in August 2007. Willie connected with them through a rare disease support group. Lauren & Lindsey have a rare Epilepsy syndrome called Dravet that causes frequent seizures. Savannah's Hope helped their family with food and lodging costs when they stayed in Pittsburgh for treatment.

Eli

Thank you for the wonderful bag from Savannah's hope. My daughter was so excited to get a bag of goodies. Such a wonderful idea for families in the hospital! Written by her mother, Kara

"Thank you so much for the tote! My son, who turned 2 in December, just had his 3rd open heart surgery and receiving that in the PICU was a very welcome surprise. The fact that you do that for others is so heartwarming and so appreciated. Thanks for making that stay a little more bearable." Written by his mother, Taunie